CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Over 200 family members and friends of the late Judge Ray Grimes gathered at the Montgomery County Courthouse recently to dedicate his former courtroom in his name, and to unveil a tree memorial in front of the Montgomery County Courthouse.

Grimes died Nov. 26 after being hospitalized for several days with COVID-19. He was 73.

Mayor Jim Durrett reveals the new courtroom dedication for the late Judge Ray Grimes on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

State Rep. Curtis Johnson embraces Judge Sharon Massey-Grimes on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

Mayor Durrett speaks to the crowd gathered outside the Judge Ray Grimes courtroom on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

The new dedication sign for the Judge Ray Grimes courtroom on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

Judge Wayne Shelton made remarks about his friend, the late Judge Ray Grimes, on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

Judge Sharon Massey-Grimes previewing her late husband’s plaque on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

Over 200 people gathered outside the Montgomery County Courthouse on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

The Montgomery County Historic Courthouse on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

A band played live music at the late Judge Ray Grimes tree dedication ceremony on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

Family members of Judge Ray Grimes previewing the dedicated tree on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

Family and friends gathered at the Montgomery Courthouse for the tree dedication to the late Judge Ray Grimes on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

The plaque dedicating a tree in front of the Montgomery County Historic Courthouse to the late Judge Ray Grimes on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

The Driving You Donuts food truck at N. 2nd Street on June 4, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now).

Attending the event on Friday were Grimes’ wife, Judge Sharon Massey-Grimes, who filled the bench vacancy left by his passing. Also in attendance Judge Jill Ayers, Judge Wayne Shelton, Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett and state Rep. Curtis Johnson.

“First of all, it’s just an honor for me to be asked by the family to come and say a few words today, and it’s a very sad day, but to me, it’s a very proud day to have known and loved Ray Grimes,” Durrett said. “And to see this many people here just truly, truly speaks of the legacy that that man has left our community.”

Durrett then read a joint proclamation from the Tennessee House of Representatives by Johnson, Rep. Jay Reedy, Rep. Jason Hodges and Sen. Bill Powers. The resolution recognized Grimes’ 22 years on the General Sessions bench, his military service in the Coast Guard and his establishment of the Montgomery County Drug Recovery Court in 2005.

Durrett unveiled the new “Judge Ray Grimes Courtroom” sign above the doors to Room 205, which is where Judge Massey-Grimes now practices.

Johnson presented Massey-Grimes with a framed copy of the resolution.

Judge Shelton spoke of his friendship with Grimes, counting him as one of only four “true friends” in his lifetime. He told several stories about their longtime friendship.

“You know, not a day that goes by where there’s not a conversation that I’d like to have with him,” Shelton said. “I miss him, I miss his friendship, I miss his practice, I miss his wisdom and him just being in the next room over.”

The group moved out onto the lawn of the County Courthouse, where a tree had been planted in Grimes’ memory. A memorial plaque had also been placed by Grimes’ cousins.